If you’re thinking of investing in a commercial building project, you’re far from alone. There are over 5.9 million commercial buildings in the US, and they’re expanding faster than ever before. This is placing a huge demand on architects, tradespeople, and commercial general contractors across the country.
Fortunately, there are still plenty of contractors out there who can help you design and build your project in the shortest time possible. Here’s what you need to know about design-build construction and what they can do to take your project to the next level!
What Is Design Build Construction?
Design-build construction is when a designer and a builder work together under the same contract. This way, an architect won’t have to meet and explain a project to a new team every time, which can help eliminate certain barriers to your project.
Moreover, this is the most cohesive and comprehensive way to complete a building project of any size or scale. Design-build companies typically offer the fastest returns, best prices, and more. Let’s talk about how they make that possible.
Innovative Strategies of Design-Build Construction Companies
If you want the job done quickly, efficiently, and correctly, then a design-build firm is the way to go. Here are some of the innovative ways that they can optimize your construction project from start to finish.
Energy-Efficient Designs
Design-build contractors are leading the way in building energy-efficient buildings. Not only does this help reduce emissions, but it can dramatically reduce both ongoing and upfront expenses.
Of course, ongoing energy savings are always welcome. However, did you know that you can save money on building expenses by choosing energy-efficient designs? In some cases, the federal government (and the Colorado state government) will offer tax rebates or other incentives for choosing better installation, appliances, heating systems, and other green energy technology.
Whether you opt for high-quality insulation, electric ranges, heat pumps, solar panels, or EV charging stations, you could receive up to a 30% tax rebate from the federal government. There are also other initiatives that can help subsidize these costs, making them a much more economical choice.
Not only will they save you money upfront, but they can dramatically reduce ongoing costs. Even the simple switch from electric resistance heat to heat pumps will save up to 67% of heating costs. That’s right, they’re three times as efficient!
Beyond that, a design-build contractor can help improve your HVAC system, passive solar heating, and more. All of this will add up to major long-term savings, especially in larger buildings.
More Efficient Process
Design-build contractors have an optimized path from conception to completion. By hiring a design-build contractor, you ensure that you have the most efficient path to completion. Since one team will work on your project from start to finish, there is less room for scheduling complications, communication errors, and other bureaucratic challenges.
Also, this will directly save you money. Contractors each have their own overhead costs, minimum rates, and expenses to cover.
Therefore, having your team under one umbrella limits costs. That’s why design-build firms are the most economical choice for any construction project. The team can collaborate among themselves with minimal outside complications or interferences.
With the high cost of a commercial construction project, there’s a lot of room to save, especially on larger projects. If you’re building a warehouse or large office space, a more efficient contractor could save you hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Better Communication
When everything is under one contract, it’s a lot easier to communicate with your construction team. In most cases, you will have one point of contact who can keep you updated on the project terms, budget, and more. This makes it a lot easier to learn how your project is going.
Not only that, but communication among your contractors is also a lot more efficient. This will ensure that everyone is working on schedule and not interfering with aspects of your project.
You may know the old joke about the electrician, carpenter, and plumber all gasping when the painter shows up on time. Well, there’s truth to that. However, if everybody is on the same contract, you can eliminate these types of delays.
Cohesive Design
When the HVAC, plumbing, and electric systems are all afterthoughts, they will look and perform like afterthoughts. Having a comprehensive plan both designed and implemented by the same team is the best way to ensure that your building is designed for optimized efficiency, aesthetics, and performance.
Also, when it comes to construction techniques, the designer will keep the builder in mind. This ensures that the builder will have the tools and manpower necessary to complete the job, which can dramatically reduce equipment costs from your final budget.
How to Choose a Design-Build Firm
Now that you know some ways that design-build firms make construction projects easier, you may want to hire these services for your next project. Before you do, here’s how to ensure you get the right services for your needs.
Look For Design-Build Firms Near You
First, you’ll need to find design-build contractors in your area. Don’t just search for general contractors, as they may not offer the services you need. If you live in the Denver area, you can easily schedule a consultation with a local firm.
However, if you live in a more remote area, you will need to ensure that the firm services your location before hiring them. Make sure you tell them your location when you reach out to verify that they operate in that area.
Also, make sure that they offer the services you need. For example, not all contractors work on commercial buildings. Read through their services page before reaching out to avoid any potential issues, and make sure to mention your needs when you do reach out, just to be safe!
Read Online Reviews
We live in a world with easy access to previous customer insights. So, why not use them?
Remember, searching for a design-build contractor is a much bigger decision than any Amazon purchase. It may even be the most expensive purchase of your life. Therefore, read through online reviews to see what previous customers had to say.
Also, when we say “read”, we mean it. The “star” reviews mean nothing without context. Ideally, you want to gain insight into how they operated, communicated, and stuck to their estimates before moving forward.
Ask For Proof of Qualifications
Once you find a team that looks good on paper, verify that they have the licenses and talent needed to perform the job. Ask for proof of licenses, insurance, or anything else you may want to know before pursuing their services. Once you have this, you can make an informed decision.
Talk Price
Finally, if it seems like the right fit, it’s time to discuss estimates, timelines, and more. If the price aligns with your goals (don’t forget about potential incentives!), then it’s time to get moving on your project!
If you’re still unsure, then develop a shortlist of contractors that offer the services you need in the timeline you need it and compare their quotes to find the best deal.
Is Design-Build Construction Worth It?
If you have a project you need to build, then hiring a design-build construction company is the best solution. Hiring architects, commercial general contractors, and all of the subcontractors they will hire add up quickly.
Instead, hire commercial contractors who can carry your project through from start to finish. This is the best strategy for any new project, as you keep all of your expenses and liabilities in one place.
On top of that, you get to benefit from the innovative techniques used by these companies. The same people who designed it will also carry out the project management, ensuring that everything is built exactly how you want it. If you’re interested in pursuing a design-build construction project, get a quote today!
Overall, a design-build contractor is the most time-friendly and financially-safe option for any commercial building project.
Hire a Contractor Today
Now that you know about design-build construction, you can see why it’s such a popular choice, especially for larger, commercial projects. If you need to take a project from concept to reality, then a design-build construction team is the most economical and efficient path by far.
Stay up to date with our latest construction tips, and don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or to get a quote on your upcoming project!